Ill. state police step up Labor Day patrols

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Police are stepping up patrols during the busy Labor Day weekend to keep motorists safe and to be aware of potential terrorist threats.

Officials said Thursday that state police will "saturate" interstates and expressways while troopers also monitor intelligence form the Statewide Terrorism Intelligence Center for suspicious activity or vehicles and special alerts.

State Police District Chicago Capt. Luis Gutierrez says officers in patrol cars will be looking for so-called "Fatal 4" violators. These are speeders, drunk drivers, and those driving without safety belts or distracted by texting or other violations.

State police issued 2,600 speeding tickets during Labor Day last year, made 90 DUI arrests and issued citations for 625 seatbelt and 45 distracted-driver violations.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will assist state police this weekend.